Thousands of packages are shipped from the US to Australia on a daily basis. The two countries have a strong trade relationship, and with the growth of online shopping, the number of products sold is constantly increasing.
Despite being a popular trade route, you still need careful planning to ensure your packages reach Australia quickly and cheaply. Most notably, you must select the right shipping method, prepare paperwork, and handle customs in the most efficient way possible.
It’s worth mentioning that, due to the long distance between the two countries, delivery times and shipping costs may vary significantly. The general rule is that ocean shipping is much slower and cheaper, while air shipping is faster but more expensive.
Selecting the Right Shipping Method
Before choosing a shipping method, you must consider your timeline, budget, and the type of item you’re sending. As mentioned, you can choose between air and ocean transport, as well as between postal and courier services. Perhaps the simplest way is to hire a Sidney or Melbourne freight forwarder and let them handle everything for you.
Ocean Freight
If you’re looking to save money, ocean freight is the best option. This type of product transport is ideal for large shipments and heavy objects that might not be suitable for an airplane.
Your two main options are LCL (Less than Container Load) and FCL (Full Container Load). Choosing FCL is optimal for large volumes, giving you more control at a higher cost. You can also share a container with another person or business with LCL, which is cheaper, but you have to share. An expected travel time from the US to Australia is somewhere between 20 and 40 days.
Air Freight
The second option is air freight, which is ideal for time-sensitive transport. For example, you can pay for FedEx or DHL Express International Priority, which can deliver your items to major urban areas within 3 to 5 business days.
The great thing about these shipments is that you can track them and notify the person at the destination as soon as the package arrives. Additionally, you can buy insurance and expedite customs clearance.
Despite its advantages, air freight is rarely cost-effective for commercial shipments. This is especially true if you’re moving a lot of bulky, low-margin items. Nevertheless, you can still use it for luxury and special items.
Courier Services
Today, most people use FedEx, UPS, and similar courier services to send their packages to Australia. Besides the previously mentioned tracking and excellent customer support, most of these providers offer direct delivery. That way, you can ensure that the package reaches the right person quickly.
Postal Services
First-Class Package International and Priority Mail International are two shipping options at your disposal when using USPS. The first method is ideal for smaller packages up to 4 lbs; it is cheaper and does not include insurance.
On the other hand, Priority Mail International is better for commercial purposes, offering fast, reliable transport. USPS usually takes 6 to 10 business days to deliver items and is cheaper than courier services.
Preparing Paperwork
International shipping can be challenging when it comes to gathering documentation. A country may have specific regulatory requirements and numerous forms to fill out, all of which require complete accuracy. If you make any mistake, you might face a fine, delays, and even seizure.
Necessary Documents
When shipping goods to Australia, you’ll need at least an invoice, a shipping label, and a packing list. Commercial invoices require full recipient and sender info, item description, quantity, and assessed value. In case you’re transporting products for further sale, you’ll also require an HS code (Harmonized System) for item classification.
Customs Declaration
Under Australian law, couriers must declare all shipments. The entire process is monitored by the Australian Border Force (ABF) and the Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry (DAFF). Depending on what you’re transporting, you may need additional documents, and your goods may be subject to further inspection.
Prohibited Items
There is a handful of items that shouldn’t be transported from the US to Australia, including guns and rifles, hazardous materials, and particular drugs. Ideally, you should check the official ABF website to learn, or you can ask your courier service. Pay attention to how you’re declaring items, as any errors might lead to fines.
Duties and Taxes
Everything valued below AUD 1,000 is exempt from duties. Nevertheless, you might still have to cover the Goods and Services Tax (GST). If you’re transporting high-value items, you’ll need to properly classify the items and disclose their origin. The good news is that carriers will handle the clearance for you, charging you a brokerage fee.
4 Tips for Saving Money and Expediting Shipment
There are several ways you can save money on the entire process and expedite delivery:
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Improve Packaging
The most important thing to keep in mind is to avoid overpacking. Certain fees are charged based on the box’s size, regardless of what you’re transporting inside, or if the box is half empty. We also recommend that you use sturdier boxes and add bubble wrap to safeguard your products.
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Compare Carrier Options
Take your time comparing the available options. We recommend that you use software such as Shippo to assess rates and services. Many couriers offer discounts for bulk transport and business entities, so that’s another thing to keep in mind.
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Declare Items
Properly declaring items is vital for avoiding fees and additional costs. For example, you want to make sure that you declare the exact number of products or items to avoid paying high duties. Similarly, you don’t want to under-declare, as you may face fines.
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Insure Valuables
If you’re transporting highly valuable items, you should definitely get insurance. The same goes for fragile goods.
The Best Way to Ship to Australia
If this is your first time shipping to Australia from the US, we suggest that you take your time. Get acquainted with the carriers and different features, so you can get the best offer according to your needs.
